Carvin H22 Allan Holdsworth Neck Pickup

A unique spin on the typical PAF style pickup. It has 4 conductor wiring, so you can wiring to series/parallel or coil-splits.
The bridge unit, H22T is rated at 8.6k ohms, falling in a fairly low-medium output for a PAF-type pickup.

An important note: the construction of these pickups is superlative.
For a long time I played PAF's, but they're hard to find and I switched to Seymour Duncans, (great on their own but not nearly as good.) For the past 10+ years I've been playing boutique pickups like WCR, and (especially) Jason Lollar and Lindy Fralin and have been happy with the results. I still own 1 set of PAF's, a short-magnet set from probably '60.

These Carvin pickups are much higher-quality construction than I've seen on any pickups outside of boutique pickups, which usually cost several times as much. Ironically, they're far better built than PAF's, which will set you back several grand.

The quality of the bobbins, vintage plain enamel wire, the alnico magnets and casing are all top-quality.


Carvin's pickups are designed to be adjustable from side-to-side, as well as up and down, so they have 3 screws, whereas most humbuckers have 2.

This isn't a problem, because these pickups come with a bezel (mounting ring) that fits perfectly.

You can pick the color of the ring, as well as the coils to make a custom look at no extra cost.

I've been playing professionally for over 25 years, (getting old...)
While I'm a blues player at heart, I went to Berklee and studied jazz, and play jazz, blues, rock, even country and r&b. For many years I worked as a session player, first in NYC then out in LA.
But for the past 15 years, I've mostly stuck to live playing, (much more fun, much more freedom.)

I love semi's, but with some gigs they're problematic. After meeting Holdsworth, and trying out his signature Carvin, I couldn't believe I didn't own one. They're astonishingly great-sounding, playing and versatile guitars. I ordered one the next day.


I'm a tonefreak, and an endless tweaker, (like Holdsworth himself.)
I've owned a Dumble Overdrive Special for nearly 20 years, as well as many other vintage and boutique amps and guitars.

Aside from my PAF's, and Pat. #'s, I mainly play WCR, Fralin and Lollar pickups. I love great humbucker tone, and it's not easy to find.

The Carvin Holdsworth is an absolutely stunning pickup. After getting my Carvin guitar, I just couldn't believe how great the stock setup sounded.

I switched out the electronic components for an RS Guitar Works kit with Luxe capacitors,(highly recommended for any guitar,) and it's one of the sweetest sounding guitars I've ever heard.

I was wondering how much of the tone was the pickups, so I temporarily installed them into an older PRS I have, (never liked the stock pickups in that one.) They transformed that guitar into a sweet, vintage tone monster.

Needless to say, I've since ordered several sets of the Carvin H22's for neck and bridge positions.


Tone:

The pickups are relatively low output, and you need to "fight" a little bit to get the amp to break up. Because they have 22 polepieces, no matter how high you bend the strings, or what antics you do, you won't get any drop-out in volume.
You can perfectly balanced each string, which is something most pickups cannot do.

The tone is round, clear and defined. They're sweet and can get that liquid Holdsworth tone, but with a moderately driven amp they simply sing.

They have an astonishing clarity on the treble strings, and can really cut through, but the bass strings remain tight and defined no matter what.

The overall tone has a 3-d sound and feel that's hard to describe. If you've ever played a truly great PAF-type pickup, you'll know what I mean.

But these pickups aren't PAF clones, and they're a bit sweeter, and thicker, without losing that trademark clarity and chime.

They're shockingly versatile, (even without coil-splits,) and because of this, you can get great tones for classic rock, blues, country, r&b or jazz.

Duane Allman, Dickie Betts, B.B. King, early Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Jeff Beck, David Grissom, Holdsworth, Wes Montgomery: if you like these kinds of tones, you'll love these H22's.

I love these pickups in semis, 335's, Les Pauls, PRS's: they're one of the best kept secrets in the pickup world.

They might not replace my vintage and boutique pickups, but they offer a unique and incredible tone, that is every bit as high in quality.

Like I said, I've been playing a long time. I've seen a lot of products come and go, and when you hear truly great tone, you know it.

I honestly thought I would swap the pickups out of my Carvin Holdsworth, but instead, these pickups have become a huge part of the way I make music.

They possess a unique and inspiring tone, and anyone who appreciates classic humbucker sounds would be a fool not to try them.

Because Carvin sells direct, you can get these pickups for $60 each.
But their build quality and tone are easily in the same class as $200+ boutique pickups.

For a working player who knows good tone, the H22's are a godsend.

Order yourself a set (or two) now, and see what I'm talking about.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 7.3 k

Model of guitar or bass: ES-335 copy
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: factory original
Other pickups on guitar: factory original
Artists using this pickup: A H I assume
You musical style(s): Popish, easy listening, 60's, 70's
Reason for pickup change: Wanted improved tone

Perceived output level: Normal output
Tone: Extremely well balanced, not to high, not to low
Sonic evaluation: I have a Roland Cube 30 that I put a Celestion in. This is a respectable small modeling combo.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly classic pop and rock as well as my own creations.

Comments: I am very pleased with this pickup. It has character. String definition is very good. I added the "treble bleeder circuit" to my volume controls as I do not like to play at max volume but prefer to set volume between 5 & 7. I roll the volume up as needed for licks. Playing in the mid volume position I get excellant results, no muddiness in bass at all. Clear string definition and articulation on all strings. I recommend the treble bleeder circuit because it restores lost highs when using the volume control. I am mainly a clean player who prefers a clean neck pickup for most of my playing. I have also installed the Alan Holdsworth bridge pickup as well (with treble bleeder circuit) and really like both pickups. With the treble bleeder I can use both pickups at the same time and control them better. These are super classic rock pickups. They also provide a smooth preamp gain distortion when you drive them.
There are many pickups out there and it's mostly a shot in the dark when you go through the time and expense to swap out your pickups. You won't know if you've done the right thing until all is complete. All I can say is I'm completely satisfied and I'm fussy. And also, the price is right.
Installing them I had to contact Carvin as their posted instructions on the web site were not complete at the time. A standard series connection requires you to solder the white and green wires together, the black wire and shield are connected to ground and the red wire is the hot.
When I decided to install the Carvin Alan Holdsworth pickups I went by the reviews you read here and the fact that Alan Holdsworth is known for being "fussy" too. Being that he and I are similar in that way and other reviewers gave these pickups a perfect "ten", I went for it. I'm totally satisfied. Your mileage may vary however as tone is a subjective thing. At least you'll know your not waisting your time on junk, this is only a flavor of good!
Info on the treble bleeder circuit is widely available on the web. DiMarzio has some info in it too in PDF. I recommend the addition of this simple circuit for better volume control of passive pickups. If you want more treble to come through just increase the value of the capacitor. I'm using a 1000 pF cap on my neck pickup and 490 pF on my bridge pickup.

Pickup features: Passive Humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: Check Carvin's website.

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez Sabre 540 Custom
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock - bridge and neck
Other pickups on guitar: Stock single coil middle
Artists using this pickup: Holdsworth
You musical style(s): Metal, Reggae, Rock
Reason for pickup change: Old p/u got microphonic

Perceived output level: Medium. The coils are weakened - which help to increase sustain since strong magnetic coils deaden string vibration much quicker.
Tone: If you look at the stats, it looks weird, but it's oddly balanced. A real Jazz p/u
Sonic evaluation: I'm using an Ampeg VH140Ch head through a Carvin SX200. These p/u's are great! - even the guitar repairer commented how great the p/u's sounded (esp. the neck, which I wholeheartedly agree). He thought I made a way better choice than picking a Seymour Duncan. Well, they are both different p/u's. The neck p/u I would absolutely not trade, but since I play metal in addition to rock/reggae and jazzy stuff (yeah I'm an electic player who gigs w/ diff. people), I'd rather have a Duncan in the bridge, like a Custom Custom, or a JB player. The bridge H22 needs that extra mid boost b/c the band pretty much eats up a lot of the sonic space, so I boost my mids and his to the max and cut back on the lows in the distortion channel. As for the neck, no complaints whatsoever. Like Carvin's site says "it has a sponginess" to it, really "glassy sounding." If you distort it, you can still hear the string character, (which is odd, but very unique sounding to me). This really is a jazz p/u no doubt, but I play metal, rock, reggae and all sorts of stuff, and it's fine to me. Tone is not only in the p/u's, guitar, or amp - it's in the fingers and the heart first and foremost!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metal, rock, reggae, jazzy stuff

Comments: If the neck were stolen - hell yeah, I'd buy another one. For the bridge, though, I'd have to go w/ a Seymour Duncan. The adjustable polepieces though I might add is quite "kick ass" - great feature. I adjust 'em to increase the volume of the higher thinner strings so I get more oophm when I bend them w/out distortion. That's one of the great features I wish Duncans would have but don't.
I been playing for 13 years, owned a Strat, three Ibanez's - EX, RG, Ibanez Sabre 540 Custom, Les Paul, Jackson Kelly, and a Carvin AE185. These definitely are the best p/u's I've had for anything that required one hearing very subtle nuances in clean sounding channels. For real lead distortion, however, I prefer trying a Duncan or a DiMarzio, or maybe an EMG too (though I've never tried them yet.).
Overall, I think the p/u's are great, even the bridge is okay, despite my comments (but if you play heavy metal, it doesn't cut it - get a Duncan). You want a beautiful clean sound - get the neck p/u and if you have a HSH configuration mix the neck humbucker w/ the middle single coil and listen to the Strat-like glassy tones. If you want a great value, a comprehensive sounding p/u at a really great price get these set of p/u's! You will not be disappointed.

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: old b.c. rich warlock
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: M22N carvin
Other pickups on guitar: M22T carvin bridge
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): blues,country,psychedelic rock
Reason for pickup change: M22N was very muddy didnt care much for it

Perceived output level: fairly low output probably even a little less than a PAF
Tone: very clear for a neck pickup very well balanced
Sonic evaluation: im using a peavey encore65(a kick ass amp for the money) sometimes run through a carvin quad-x amp and a cheap dod chourus pedal.this is a great sounding pickup i havent heard a dimarzio,EMG or any other "brand name" pickup that sounds any better.i used to have EMG's I guess they are OK if you want to sound like metalica but this pickup can cover wide variety of musical styles sounds great tapped also.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: im sure harcore metalheads wouldnt like this pickup but thats not what its intended for

Comments: i challenge anyone to find a better $20 pickup

Pickup features: Humbucking with coil tap capability
Impedence or other specs: Per Carvin 7.3K

Model of guitar or bass: Carvin DC 127T
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Carvin C22N
Other pickups on guitar: H22T
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock, Blues, Jazz
Reason for pickup change: I never liked the stock Carvin C22N as it was too bright and had too much mid range.

Perceived output level: PAF type output
Tone: Slight bass bump but otherwise very balanced.
Sonic evaluation: I primarily play through an Allen Old Flame 2-10 (Fender Super Reverb type amp). Very nice, sweet PAF sound with just the right bass-mid-treble balance. Slight bass bump. Coil tapped it sounds almost fenderish, not as bright as a single coil, but still very useful. ng.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock, Blues, Jazz

Comments: This is an outstanding pickup that compares well to anything I've ever heard. Great sounds clean to pushed. Super definition. The Holdsworth pickups turned a mediocre sounding guitar into a very fine sounding instrument. I highly recommend both the neck and bridge H22's.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Low output neck humbucker

Model of guitar or bass: Carvin listed above
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: H22T,Piezo pickup
Artists using this pickup: Allan Holdsworth
You musical style(s): Progressive rock, blues
Reason for pickup change: N/A

Perceived output level: Low output
Tone: Very balenced. Not muddy like most neck humbuckers. Cuts through very well
Sonic evaluation: The carvin is maple/alder neck through with a maple cap. It also has a active pickup module. It goes into a Peavey 5150 head with a Carvin cab. Sounds excellant. Brilliant clean sounds, with a searing distorted sound. Will sustain for hours

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is great for lead riffs, as well as clean chord rythems. Everything you want from a neck humbucker

Comments: Like I said about the bridge humbucker I will never replace this pickup. The good part is, since I don't cut up my guitar by replacing the pickup, I don't void the 5 year warrenty which is very importent, if something unforseen happens. Lower output than other pickups around, but perfect for everything. Without the high output, the mix of the pickup is very sweet sounding. The pickup is inexpensive, but its not cheap. 22 adjustable pole pieces, 3 screw bezel, alnico magnets it has it all

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: '70 Les Paul Deluxe
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock gibson full size humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: stock Gibson mini humbucker in neck position
Artists using this pickup: uh...Allan Holdsworth?
You musical style(s): Rock, Blues
Reason for pickup change: Stock Gibson pickup sounded like ass. Very thin, low output, mushy when overdriven

Perceived output level: Hot output, but well balanced on all strings
Tone: Bass and Mids cranked to 10...Treble cranked to 20! I usually play with my tone control set on 3. Lots of high end.
Sonic evaluation: Les Paul > DOD Bifet Preamp > Crybaby Wah > Peavey Classic 50 410

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Absolutely FAB for blues/rock. Get Billy Gibbon's 'Cheap Sunglasses' lead tone without even trying.

Comments: I'd definitely buy it again. These are some highly underrated or unknown pickups. I've used many in the 20 years I've been playing...Duncans, DiMarzios, EMGs, Bill Lawrence, blah blah blah...this pickup is right up there with all of them. Well balanced, great tone (a bit much on the high end, but you can control that) and a nice overall FATNESS. Great value, too. About half what you'd pay for a new DiMarzio or Duncan.